Planning for Stonnington's distinct
environments and lifestyles
Shortly after coming to office, Stonnington City
Council recognised that the diverse nature of the new City made it
virtually impossible to apply the same planning and service provision
principles to the whole Municipality. In the high density inner urban
area, residents require services based around less conventional hours
and lifestyles, while those in the suburban areas need services which
support families and their needs. The solution was to recognise and
embrace a variety of unique 'villages'. This formed the basis of
Council's City Plan 1998 - 2001 as presented on this page. In this
way, Council can provide services that reflect the wishes of
residents to preserve the particular character and culture of their
area.
Twenty four hour buzz
'Village of Vitality'
The inner suburbs of Prahran, South Yarra and Windsor have long
attracted an eclectic mix of people drawn to the area by its
convenient public transport, interesting shops and range of housing
options. With its many galleries, boutiques, cafes, theatres and
hotels, this area is a constant buzz of activity around the clock,
earning it the title 'Village of Vitality'.
Council aims to maintain a balance between residential amenity and
commercial development so the current exciting mix continues. It
plans to further develop heritage controls to preserve the area's
Victorian and Edwardian streetscapes, develop traffic management to
allow shopper access without infringing on residential and pedestrian
amenity and ensure low income residents are supported with low cost
housing and other facilities.
Future plans include the encouragement of multi media and high
tech industries. Increasing the area's tourism, cultural and
entertainment focus is also emphasised.
Building on achievement
'Village of Enterprise'
The residents of East Prahran, Hawksburn and Armadale benefit from
their proximity to inner Prahran's active lifestyle but have a
stronger home and family focus. Identified as the 'Village of
Enterprise' because of its prosperous and optimistic lifestyle,
residents here have indicated a keen interest in the appearance and
cleanliness of the street environment with home and garden their
number one priority.
Council policy for the area aims to limit new residential
development to maintain the present attractive streetscapes.
Retailers are supported by plans to improve commercial carparking.
Other plans include improved open space and redevelopment of the
former Prahran Secondary College site.
Wealth and prosperity
'Village of Prestige'
Toorak has a nationwide reputation and history as home to some of
Australia's wealthiest people, reflected in its tree lined streets of
opulent houses. Residents here have high expectations of Council's
service delivery and the area has been defined as the 'Village of
Prestige'.
A trend in the past which saw the demolition of many beautiful old
houses and their replacement with unattractive flats has left Council
conscious of the need to take measures which protect the uniqueness
of the area. As a result, Council proposes urban design and heritage
controls to ensure a better mix of new developments.
Policy aims include pedestrian and streetscape improvements,
enhancement of the Toorak Village Shopping Centre and encouraging
better integration of schools into the local community.
Potential abounds
'Village of Opportunity'
Kooyong and Malvern, like Toorak are affluent areas. Local
residents and businesses thrive on opportunity and enterprise, a
quality Council intends to harness in what it calls the 'Village of
Opportunity'. Much of the area's residential stock is undergoing
renovation and redevelopment and Council aims to foster this in a way
which is sympathetic to the surrounding built environment.
Council is developing commercial strategies for the area to
encourage new industry, particularly in multi media and technology.
Improved commercial carparking aims to alleviate pressure in nearby
residential streets and promote business opportunities.
Council has established a service centre at the former Malvern
Town Hall and is fostering relationships with the local campus of
Deakin University and Cabrini Hospital.
Enjoying nature's assets
'Garden Village'
The leafy suburbs of East Malvern and Glen Iris encourage a
tranquil lifestyle with an abundance of beautiful parks and gardens,
hence the title 'Garden Village'. Many residents are older people
requiring Council support services, such as accommodation, home care
and transport.
Services to meet the changing needs of youth and families with
children are also needed. Many Council assets in this area,
including footpaths and roads, are now ageing and in need of repair.
Proposals include upgrading of existing infrastructure and
maintenance of streetscapes. Strategies to redevelop the small
commercial and retail areas aim to bring a new lease of life and
preserve such services in the area. Expanded heritage controls aim
to protect its architectural character.
Family ties
'Kindred Village'
Neighbourhood values characterise this area. Comprising the
furthest reaches of Stonnington in East Malvern, it is known as the
'Kindred Village'. More and more new families are moving into the
area for the safe, secure family environment it offers.
Council services including family services, recreational
opportunities and community facilities are in high demand. To this
end Council is aiming to preserve and enhance existing open space and
provide recreation facilities for all ages, including the development
of the Phoenix Park Community Facility.
This area is also home to Melbourne's best regional shopping
complex, Chadstone, which has recently undergone major redevelopment
to further enhance its amenity for shoppers. This regional shopping
centre complements the strip shopping centres elsewhere in the City.
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